Building a Custom Home in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide

Designing and building a custom home is one of the biggest projects most people will take on. It takes planning, patience, and the right team to bring your vision to life.

At Turnkey Construction, we work with clients across Ontario who already have their plans and are ready to bring them to life. We partner with homeowners, designers, and other professionals to make the process smooth, transparent, and well-managed. From estimating your budget to handing over the keys, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Here’s what you need to know about building a custom home in Ontario.

Step 1: Finalise Your Plans

To build a custom home in Ontario, you’ll need a full set of construction-ready drawings. These include:

• Architectural floor plans and elevations
• Structural details
• Site plan with zoning compliance
• Septic/sewer and service connection plans (where needed)

Most of our clients come to us with plans already drawn up by an architect or designer. If you’re still working on this, we can point you in the right direction.

Step 2: Pre-Construction Planning and Budgeting

Even with your plans in hand, there's still important preparation before construction can begin.

We help with:

• Budget estimation: We break down labour, materials, allowances, and contingencies so you can understand the full cost of your build.
• Site planning and land checks: We work with other professionals, such as urban planning firms, to confirm that your land is suitable and meets local zoning requirements.
• Permit coordination: We manage the building permit application process with your local municipality and ensure your project is compliant before building starts.

Step 3: Construction Begins

Once permits are approved and selections are underway, it’s time to build.

The construction process typically includes:

• Site prep and foundation: We clear the land, excavate, and pour the footings and foundation.
• Framing and exterior: The structure goes up, followed by roofing, windows, and doors to make the home weather-tight.
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC: All systems are roughed in and inspected before insulation and drywall are added.
• Interior finishes: Painting, flooring, cabinetry, lighting, and exterior work such as siding, porches, and driveways are completed.

Throughout the build, we stay in close communication with you to keep things running smoothly.

Step 4: Final Inspections and Handover

As construction wraps up:

• We arrange all required inspections and complete a detailed quality check
• We walk through the home with you to confirm everything meets your expectations
• We make any final adjustments needed
• You receive the keys to your new home!

Common Questions About Building Custom Homes in Ontario

How long does it take to build a custom home?
Most custom home builds take between 10 and 16 months, depending on the size of the home, the complexity of the design, and external factors like weather and material availability.

What can cause delays or cost changes?
Changes to finishes, supply chain issues, and permit processing times can all affect the timeline or cost. We build flexibility into our planning to help manage the unexpected.

Can I build on any property I own?
Not always. Zoning bylaws, site conditions, and access to utilities can affect whether your land is buildable. We help coordinate with the right professionals to check these details early.

When do I need to make decisions about finishes?
Some choices, like flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures, need to be made early in the build to avoid delays. We’ll guide you through that timeline so you stay ahead of schedule.

Why Work with Turnkey Construction?

We’re proudly operated by a close-knit team of family and trusted professionals, with years of experience building custom homes across Ontario. From rural lots to lakefront properties and infill sites, we’ve managed a wide range of custom builds.

We work with your plans, help you understand your budget, and build your home with care, clarity, and solid project management.